Despite fighting back from an early deficit with a superb equaliser from Riko Ueki, Rehanne Skinner saw her side concede two late goals to seal defeat at the end of her first season in charge of the Hammers.
In many ways perhaps, it was the story of West Ham’s season when a mistake from usually-reliable captain Mackenzie Arnold gifted Bethany England the opportunity to strike home within the opening four minutes.
“The league will punish you if you make mistakes,” said Skinner.
“There’s lots of different situations where we’ve created challenges for ourselves over the course of the year, and that’s been a part of the learning scenario for us as a club – it’s cost us points in certain situations.
“Ultimately these are players who work incredibly hard every single day and I could tell you about 50 different saves she’s made over the course of the season.
“She’s a top senior pro, she knows how to pick herself back up and her real focus is making sure she does everything right for the team.
“In terms of the first half, we were a little bit slow to start and as the game progressed, we were figuring out the best way of sticking to the game plan out of possession.
“I think when we came out in the second half, we got to a position where we were utilizing the ball more efficiently in transition and not necessarily as rushed as we were in the first half.
“Riko’s goal is a superb finish as well and I think she’s done really well as the game goes on.
“Massive credit to the players for everything they’ve tried to do over the course of this year, everybody has worked really hard so it’s disappointing to finish that way.
“But obviously the third goal goes in because we’re trying to get the equaliser and we’re a little bit stretched at our end.”
Whilst Skinner’s first season at the helm has been turbulent at times, there is certainly reason for optimism for the future, with the Hammers boasting some impressive results in 2024.
“When you actually look back, we took points off Arsenal for the first time in the club’s history, we got a point against Manchester United, we took Chelsea to extra time and made it difficult for them in both games,” added Skinner.
“I think over the course of the season, when you actually look at some of those real positives that we’ve had, the (one) thing we’ve not been able to get right this year is the consistency week in, week out.
“Ultimately we just needed a little bit more seniority and I think we know that, they know that and we’ll evolve that going into next year.”
It was the second time Tottenham had stepped out in front of their fans at the men’s stadium, yet West Ham have yet to make their maiden appearance at the London Stadium.
When asked about the potential for her side to make their debut in E20, Skinner seemed optimistic about next season.
“I think that’s obviously the plan for the club and that’s something we’ve talked about. Hopefully, we’re in a position to do that next year,” she said.